LARGE SCHOOL CLASSES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20499, 29 August 1928, Page 8

LARGE SCHOOL CLASSES.

GRADUAL PROCESS OF REDUCTION.

EFFORTS OF THE DEPARTMENT

(Special to Daily Times.)

WELLINGTON. August 28.

The successful results which are attending the efforts of the Education Department to reduce the size of the excessively large school classes are .reviewed by the Minister of Education (Mr R. A. Wright) in his annual report to Parliament. " During the past few years the department has made steady progress in reducing as far as means permit the number of classes in which the numbers of children enrolled are found to be excessive,” the Minister stated. "It must be evident to all that a wholesale reduction iu classes cannot be immediately undertaken in view of the enormous expense that would be involved in the necessary remodelling of schoo’s and the provision of additional class rooms and teachers. The elimination of large classes can, considering -all the attendant circumstances, he only a gradual process. That the department has made appreciable progress in its efforts will be obvious from an analysis of the position as it has existed at various dates since 1924. While, in 1924, 79 per cent, of the classes in schools of grade 4 and over had more than 40 children, and 23 per cent, of the classes had more than 60 children, in February, 1928, only 67 per cent, of the classes had more than 40 children, and only 3 per cent, had more than 60 children. When, in February last, it was seen that there were 100 classes of over 60 pupils, immediate steps were taken to remedy the matter. Seventy-one additional assistants were appointed, and schools were reorganised wherever possible. In no case where relief through modification or organisation was impossible was additional -assistance withheld.”